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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Managing the environmental impacts of war: What can be learned from conflict-vulnerable communities?
Hailemariam Meaza1, Tesfaalem Ghebreyohannes2, Jan Nyssen3
1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Mekelle University, Ethiopia; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Wars have serious negative effects on the total environment. This study reviews 193 case studies worldwide in order to better understand these impacts and their potential management before, during and after war. The synthesis of the evidence shows that military actions damage landscape resources. Aerial bombings have great negative impacts by damaging environmental conservation efforts, destroying trees, disturbing soilscapes and undermining soil health. In addition, war exterminates wildlife and their ecological niches and contributes to atmospheric and water pollution. Overall, military leaders and personnel have shown little concern about these impacts. Limited postwar restoration activities are also undertaken to reduce war-driven environmental impacts. The study highlights some good practices on how to manage the total environment during the warfare. Therefore, communities must share best lessons to remain in a sustainable peace, restore the war-damaged environment, and enhance sustainable economic development.
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